Finland won two playoff matches to reach the last eight ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis

Finland battled into the quarter-final stage of the women’s Inline Hockey World Championships in Asiago today.

With the first six quarter-finalists having been decided, the remaining teams had to secure places via playoffs.

Finland were forced to come through two matches to earn a last eight spot at the Hodegart venue.

They beat Sweden 8-0 in their first match, setting up a clash with Australia.

Australia, who finished bottom of Pool B standings, proved unable to cope with the Finnish team as the Europeans earned an 11-0 success.

Argentina joined Finland in the quarter-finals, courtesy of their 12-1 win over Latvia, who had edged their first playoff match 3-2 against Switzerland.


Argentina overcame Latvia to reach the quarter-finals ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis
Argentina overcame Latvia to reach the quarter-finals ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis

Argentina are now due to face Spain in the last eight but will face a difficult task against the winners of Pool B.

Finland’s reward for their playoff success will be a meeting with Pool A winners the Czech Republic.

United States and New Zealand are set to meet in the opening quarter-final tomorrow, followed by Canada taking on host nation Italy.

The senior men’s event is due to begin on Sunday (July 22).

France will be looking to defend their title in that competition.